A Simplistic Challenge
Need a simplistic game with a good challenge and variety while also being more chill compared to other game? Well Puzzle Aquarium might be the game for you. Play a plethora of puzzle games and collect points to purchase fish for your virtual aquarium.
Puzzles A Plenty
At first sight you would think Puzzle Aquarium would be as shallow as a puddle, with maybe a few games. After diving in you’ll find out that the level of games is as deep as an ocean. With 16 different games and a total of 6300 total puzzles its clear PivotGames did a good job. The game loop starts with you choosing the first puzzle game available. You can unlock the games after doing a certain amount of each puzzle type. Once they are all unlocked you are free to choose what you want to collect currency. The difficulty of each different game varies with each level, ranging from easy to hard while still staying fun. Although the challenge is varied, they’re all beatable and you have unlimited tries compared to other games with energy mechanics.
The Aquarium itself is a nice add on to entice players to continue playing. The fish are unlocked from completing a certain number of levels and can be purchased with points. The player can also unlock fishes though log in bonuses and event quests. In the hub menu the fish can be fed and their habitat decorated with a myriad of plants and objects. There is also a select group of fish who are unlocked with tickets which can be collected through a roulette wheel. Although the aquarium is just a side piece of the game it does provide a good incentive to continue playing. There are even a few special tank inhabitants you can unlock that I won’t spoil.
Cost Of Collecting
Overall, the level of monetization in Puzzle Aquarium is miniscule. There are only two types of monetization which comes from a VIP program and an ad remover. The level of ads in this game are not as obnoxious as other games. Usually they only appear after restarting a puzzle too many times or doing a roulette for tickets. The only AD I personally didn’t like was the small banner that appears at the bottom of your tank. The VIP program does have heavy pay-to-win vibes, offering full puzzle unlocks and double currency for a recurring fee. Luckily, the progression of the game is good without the boosts, making the VIP option easy to pass over.
Overall, Puzzle Aquarium is a fun but chill game that has plenty to do and enough incentive to keep you playing. The aquarium aspect is a good distraction when you need a break from all the puzzles. Aside from some small issues, this is a game you can pick up and try even if its just for casual play.
Is It Hardcore?
Yes
Puzzle Aquarium takes simple but addicting games and adds an aquarium to incentivize play. Although there are ads you must deal with, they are not overused but sometimes still annoying. With few issues and tolerable monetization, this is a game to pick up and play for both casual and hardcore players.
